The Senate hearing had finally concluded, and as the gavel hit the sound block, Michael Reyes stood from his seat, the weight of the past weeks gradually lifting from his shoulders. The air in the chamber buzzed with low murmurs and the shifting of chairs as senators and attendees began to disperse. Juliet, standing nearby with a composed expression, met Michael's eyes and gave a small nod of approval. Luis, his legal counsel, moved briskly to his side.
"That was a clean exit," Luis said, keeping his voice low as they gathered their documents. "They pressed hard, but they didn't have enough to dent your credibility."
Michael's expression remained neutral, masking the sense of relief bubbling beneath the surface. "They wanted a show, and we gave them the facts," he said. "Let's make sure we keep it that way in the press."
